Summary
- Kutcher and Kunis clarify their letters in of Danny Masterson, stating they were written to represent the person they knew for 25 years.
- The couple acknowledges the pain caused by the letters and assures their for victims of sexual assault, stating they would never undermine the testimony of the victims.
- Kutcher and Kunis apologize if their letters have re-traumatized anyone and express comion for all those who have been victims of sexual assault or abuse.
As fans of the actors have decried their seeming defense of their co-star, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have clarified their letters calling for lenient judgment in Masterson was ultimately convicted on two of the three counts of forcible rape levied against him, being sentenced to 30 years to life in September 2023.
Just a day after it was revealed the two took in action in Masterson's defense, Kutcher and Kunis posted a t video on Instagram clarifying the letters they wrote to the judge about their That '70s Show co-star. The duo acknowledge the pain they have brought to many of their fans, assuring that they always strive to " victims" and noting they wrote them after being approached by Masterson and his family to give a picture of "the person that we knew for 25 years". See what Kutcher and Kunis said in the quotes and video below:
Ashton Kutcher: We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson.
Mila Kunis: We victims. We have done this historically through our work and we will continue to do so in the future.
Kutcher: A couple of months ago, Danny and his family reached out to us and they asked us to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years so that the judge could take that into full consideration, relative to the sentencing.
Kunis: The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling.
Kutcher: They were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that. And we’re sorry if that has taken place.
Kunis: Our heart goes out to every single person who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape.
Will Kutcher & Kunis' Apology Be Enough For Fans?
Kutcher and Kunis weren't the only of Masterson's That '70s Show co-stars to write in his defense, with Kitty and Red Forman actors Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith also striving to paint him in a better picture. The rest of the sitcom's main cast, Topher Grace, Wilmer Valderrama and Laura Prepon, have instead remained silent on the matter, with many '70s Show fans taking to praising the former after stories swirled for years about his anti-social behavior on set while slamming the Kelso and Jackie actors.
One of the big points of discussion throughout both Masterson's trial and the wake of his conviction has been what the legacy of That '70s Show will be now. Long considered an iconic sitcom of the past few decades and frequently sitting high in Hulu and Netflix's streaming charts, the show was seen as comfort viewing for many alongside the likes of Seinfeld and Parks and Recreation, among others available on both streamers.
This legacy and streaming success even led Netflix to team up with creators Bonnie & Terry Turner to develop a sequel show, That '90s Show, which scored modest reviews and enough viewership to earn a season 2 renewal. Given Kunis and Kutcher reprised their roles alongside Grace, Valderrama and Prepon, among others, the backlash towards the former two defending their That '70s Show co-star might prove problematic for the show's future should their apology not prove enough to win franchise fans back.
Source: Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis/Instagram